Atchison County, Kansas
The most common soil here is Pawnee, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Shelby and Wymore come next.
About 32% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 8% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Atchison County, Kansas, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Atchison County, Kansas. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawnee clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 43K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpsburg silty clay loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Shelby clay loams, 7 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grundy silty clay loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palermo-Knox complex, 10 to 18 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Armster clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wymore silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, frequently flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec silt loam, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armster clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gosport silty clay loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kennebec-Colo silt loams, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knox-Gosport complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby-Steinauer loams, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelby clay loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Palermo silty clay loam, 18 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burchard-Shelby clay loams, 12 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chase silty clay loam, rarely flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.